Safety

Know the Product

Please read the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), Technical Data Sheet (TDS) and Operating Instructions prior to using our products. The MSDS and Operating Instructions can be found with every spray foam kit or refill tank. Or you can access them online from our Technical Data page.

Safe Handling and Use

Tiger Foam Insulation™ products are for professional use only. Children should never use these products.Use the Tiger Foam Insulation™ products in well ventilated areas. If the jobsite is not ventilated, Tiger Foam Insulation™ recommends adding mechanical ventilation, or wearing a powered air purifying respirator (PAPR). Always be sure to wear the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Appropriate PPE for low pressure two-component applications includes safety goggles/glasses, appropriate gloves, and full-coverage clothing that protects the skin. Avoid getting foam on your skin or in your hair.

In addition, conditions and potential exposures from some low pressure two-component foam applications may trigger OSHA requirements to use a respirator. For applications where fumes may not dissipate as quickly, such as spaces with insufficient ventilation, confined spaces, or operations that involve spraying overhead, conduct an additional evaluation to determine whether a respirator is needed.

If respirators are required on the job site, note that federal regulations require workers to have a medical evaluation, fit testing, and training before use. For more information about the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Respiratory Protection Requirements, visit http://www.osha.gov/ or call 800.321.OSHA.

The OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CR 1910.134) also requires employers to have a written respiratory protection program for employees required to use respiratory protection. The standard outlines requirements for respirator selection, respirator maintenance, annual fit testing, medical surveillance, and annual training. Refer to OSHA’s Respiratory Protection standard (http://www.osha.gov/, search 1910.134) for more information about creating a required respiratory program. If you are an employee of a spray foam weatherization contractor, refer to your company’s policy for specific information regarding your respiratory protection program.

Note that NIOSH certifies respirators for certain conditions and uses, which can be a useful tool to inform respirator selection. When using air-purifying respirators (APR) or powered air-purifying respirators (PAPR) during low-pressure two-component SPF application, organic vapor cartridges with particulate prefilters will provide protection from SPF chemicals in most cases. Some of the common types of APR and PAPR that can be used in low pressure two-component applications include:

Half-face APR. These respirators have the advantage of being light-weight as compared to the full-face APR. Note that the respirator is designed to fit tightly for a face-to-facepiece seal, so anything that impedes the seal (such as facial hair) means that this respirator design cannot be selected.

Full-face APR. These respirators provide a higher degree of respiratory protection than half-face APR. Again, full-face APRs are tight-fitting respirators, and they cannot be used if facial hair interferes with the face-to-facepiece seal.

Air-purifying respirators (PAPR). These respirators offer breathing comfort from a battery-powered fan which pulls air through filters and circulates air throughout the helmet/hood. These can be worn by most workers who have beards.

Here is a helpful chart to guide you on options for personal protective equipment for common types of spray polyurethane foam products. Always follow the specific recommendations made in the manufacturer’s MSDS.

Keep the worksite clean during and after the job: As with any job, housekeeping and clean-up after the job is completed are important. Conduct jobsite quality controls throughout the project and be sure to dispose of waste materials in accordance with any applicable regulatory requirements (refer to the ”Storage and disposal of low pressure two-component SPF” section).

Uncured (still sticky) polyurethane foam: On unfinished surfaces can be cleaned immediately with paint thinner, acetone or nail polish remover. Use of such solvents on a finished surface, however, is less effective. If solvents are used, remember to select gloves that provide skin protection for both the SPF chemicals and the solvent used. After the SPF has fully hardened and cured, mechanical removal is suggested.

Reoccupancy

Once applied, a 24 hour vacancy should be implemented for all liveable and adjacent areas. For an interior application using low pressure two-component SPF, a reoccupancy time of one hour is common, however, we recommend a time frame of at least 24 hours before reoccupancy. Include reoccupancy as part of your job plan. Read more in our Getting Started guide

Storage and Disposal

Storage

Store out of reach of children.

Store in a dry area at room temperature.

Do not store below 10°C (50°F).

Do not expose the kit or tanks to open flames or temperatures above 49°C (120°F).

Before Use

Warm the kits for a minimum of one day at 24 – 29°C (75 – 85°F).

Use of heating blankets or tank warmers is recommended.

Allow 2-3 extra days during colder months to bring the chemicals to optimum temperature.

Always agitate the cylinders well prior to use in order to thoroughly mix the chemicals and assure even chemical temperature.

After Use

After initial use of spray foam kits, close the valves and store at room temperature.